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Recommend a lightweight bass amp for a retiree

#161
Analogeezer said:
Yeah I just read that; those are actually not bad amps but if you stand a chance of getting your Kickback 10 back it's hardly worth it to buy a used Kickback 12.

Beyond the watts I think the new ones weigh about 20 pounds less, which was a goal of your so yes by all means cancel the order and keep looking.

If it makes you feel better some guy on Reverb bought one of these Hartke KB12 combos used from Sam Ash and they sent him the old one even though it was advertised as the new version.

Not sure it was outright fraud, more likely the kind of people who work at these places got it wrong in the listing and picture; the ability to fog a mirror seems to be the only requirement to working there LOL

Analogeezer
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There's a chance I will get my KB 10 and BG250 back ... but as I said it may not be until the probate process is completed and that could take months more and I sort of need at least one amp now. And if they want to play "hard ball" I would be ill pressed to try to prove I am the owner of the amps. I never recorded the serial numbers as I did for all of my other gear and I may or may not still have the receipts.

Regarding that Sam Ash deal I would consider it a bum deal and I'd demand my money back with no cost for return shipping; the amp received is not the amp described.

I have a question about the power output of the GK MB-115 and the MB-115 ii. The manuals say that the MB-115 has a power output of 200 watts at 4 ohms while the MB-115 ii is rated at 140 watts at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms. However neither amp has a speaker out plug so how does the MB-115 ii have a 140-watts at 8 ohm rating?

In other words, what are the power output for the two amps without having to add another cab?

I ask this because one member here pointed out the Ampeg RB-115 is really only 100 watts with the onboard speaker so I'd need to add another cab to draw the full 200 watts.
 
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#162
Ralph124C41 said:
There's a chance I will get my KB 10 and BG250 back ... but as I said it may not be until the probate process is completed and that could take months more and I sort of need at least one amp now. And if they want to play "hard ball" I would be ill pressed to try to prove I am the owner of the amps. I never recorded the serial numbers as I did for all of my other gear and I may or may not still have the receipts.

Regarding that Sam Ash deal I would consider it a bum deal and I'd demand my money back with no cost for return shipping; the amp received is not the amp described.

I have a question about the power output of the GK MB-115 and the MB-115 ii. The manuals say that the MB-115 has a power output of 200 watts at 4 ohms while the MB-115 ii is rated at 140 watts at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms. However neither amp has a speaker out plug so how does the MB-115 ii have a 140-watts at 8 ohm rating?

In other words, what are the power output for the two amps without having to add another cab?

I ask this because one member here pointed out the Ampeg RB-115 is really only 100 watts with the onboard speaker so I'd need to add another cab to draw the full 200 watts.
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The MB115 runs the full 200 watts into the onboard speaker. The newer MB series combos were designed to pair with the MBP powered extension cabs, which are 200 watts as well. You'll get the full 200 watts without the extension cab.

I have the MB112-II, and it works the same way. I highly recommend it, and it gets quite loud for its size.
 
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#163
friskinator said:
The MB115 runs the full 200 watts into the onboard speaker. The newer MB series combos were designed to pair with the MBP powered extension cabs, which are 200 watts as well. You'll get the full 200 watts without the extension cab.

I have the MB112-II, and it works the same way. I highly recommend it, and it gets quite loud for its size.
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thanks. I was just wondering why GK listed the 8-ohm power rating for the amp that comes with a 4-ohm stock speaker. Was it just for informational purposes?
 
#164
Another recommendation for the GK MB112 as an affordable lightweight combo. For me, it gets plenty loud for smaller club gigs, and has a decent DI for larger gigs, where the cab becomes a stage monitor and the PA carries more of the load.

I don't share your concern about extension speaker capability. I pick a combo to cover a certain range of jobs as a self-contained unit. If the amp can support more than the internal speaker, that will be unrealized performance.
 
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#165
1n3 said:
Another recommendation for the GK MB112 as an affordable lightweight combo. For me, it gets plenty loud for smaller club gigs, and has a decent DI for larger gigs, where the cab becomes a stage monitor and the PA carries more of the load.

I don't share your concern about extension speaker capability. I pick a combo to cover a certain range of jobs as a self-contained unit. If the amp can support more than the internal speaker, that will be unrealized performance.
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My concern is not about the capability of an extension speaker, it's the rating of the amp without having to add such a speaker, as that is something I, at the moment, really can't afford or see the reason for. As I stated, this will probably be just for an occasional jam or going to an open mic ... neither I should think would require a high-volume (or even medium-volume) amp. There is a chance of my rejoining a band, but at my age (73) I really, really, really doubt it.

But I do think a GK MB112 or MB115 would fulfill all of my needs.

Btw, the likelihood of my getting to the amps soon is fading. I talked to one of the main players in the probate process and he said it could take up to a year (from last month) before the estate is settled and the owners of the property would be able to release the contents to me.
 
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#168
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#169
I'm going on 70, retired as well. I play an Epi EB-0 through a Fender Rumble 100. Nice, and light, and it sounds great too!

IQM3Ra4.jpg
 
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#170
Ralph124C41 said:
My concern is not about the capability of an extension speaker, it's the rating of the amp without having to add such a speaker, as that is something I, at the moment, really can't afford or see the reason for.
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Perhaps I misunderstood your concern. For both the MB112 and MB115, the amp is 200w into the internal 4ohm speaker. That's optimal, from my point of view.

I don't see any sensitivity or SPL specs, but I assume the 115 is louder. But even with that assumed, and for the same money, I'd stick with the 112 because it's 40% smaller, and should be more than adequate to the duty you describe. That would probably be true for most combos in this class (200w, single 12, 30-35lbs).
 
#173
Matt Dean said:
Good luck with your search!
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Thanks ... I've been looking thru the classifieds but nothing yet.
1n3 said:
Perhaps I misunderstood your concern. For both the MB112 and MB115, the amp is 200w into the internal 4ohm speaker. That's optimal, from my point of view.

I don't see any sensitivity or SPL specs, but I assume the 115 is louder. But even with that assumed, and for the same money, I'd stick with the 112 because it's 40% smaller, and should be more than adequate to the duty you describe. That would probably be true for most combos in this class (200w, single 12, 30-35lbs).
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Yes, I think I would like to get a 12-incher for just the reasons you cited. Even my little Hartke 10-inch combo gave I thought a surprisingly good sound.
 
#174
Well, attempt No. 2.

For $99.99 (before shipping and state tax) I just now ordered a used Fender Bassman 150 from a Guitar Center store about 250 miles from me. It's listed as in "fair" condition but I talked to a sales rep who told me it functions fine. And I have that 45-day return policy from GC, too. I am having it sent to my local store so I will check it and if it is faulty have the staff there send it back for me.

I know the reviews seem mixed tending to be lower ones, mainly because of the quality of the stock 12-inch speaker. But I can always put in a better speaker one day. But it's cheap and weighs just 39 pounds.

I should get it by Thursday according to my interpretation of the UPS estimates for ground delivery.
 
#180
I own four bass combos, including a Bassman 150. It's ok, but compared to the MB112:
- it's substantially larger, and more awkward to carry due to it's size and shape;
- the speaker isn't as good;
- it doesn't get quite as loud, and the bottom end is weaker.

Since getting the MB112, I think the Bassman 150 has been out on a gig once. Will sell it eventually. The GK is an easier carry, and has more grunt. There are features I like about the 150, all on the preamp side. The kickback feature can be useful, but is also a major contributor to the awkward carry. The power stage isn't class D, like the MB112 and most of the amps recommended here. I'd prefer it in a smaller cab with a better 10" speaker than the cheap 12 it comes with.

Edit: realizing that you bought this for ~$100, I think that's a good deal, even if the cab's a little beat. So, things I like about the Bassman 150: The pre is more full-featured than many small combos, including two semi-parametric tone controls, and a DI level adjustment on the front panel (I can turn myself up&down in FOH). The cab interior is unlined. I added foam padding and thought that improved the sound.
 
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